Patrick Rose

Dear Friends and Neighbors:  

Last November, Texans authorized $3 billion to fund cancer research, prevention, early detection and control programs at the new Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas.  This funding is an historic investment towards easing the burden that cancer places on all taxpayers and particularly our health care system.  Each year, cancer costs Texans approximately $30 billion in direct and indirect costs.  

The Institute was created by House Bill 14, legislation that I joint-authored last spring.  This effort was possible because of a coalition that included the Lance Armstrong Foundation, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the American Cancer Society and countless Texans who have been touched by this disease.

This week, the first 6 appointments to the Institute’s Oversight Committee were announced.  The 11-member committee provides accountability for the Institute’s expenditures and operations.  This Oversight Committee, once all appointments are made, will embark on a search for a new Executive Director for the Institute.  

A Scientific and Research and Prevention Programs Committee that will review grant applications and make funding recommendations will also govern the Institute.  This 18-member committee will include voting members representing health care professionals, health care facilities and voluntary health organizations and non-voting members representing Texas’ leading public and private research and health institutions, like M.D. Anderson in Houston.  

With its leadership teams in place, the Institute will be ready to begin the work that the Legislature outlined in HB 14.  The Institute has 3 clear statutory purposes:  1. Fund up to $300 million a year for 10 years in grants for scientific breakthroughs in the prevention of and cures for cancer; 2. Attract, create, or expand research capabilities in our institutions of higher education institutions and other public or private entities to promote an increase in cancer research and in the creation of high-quality new jobs in Texas; and 3. Develop and implement the Texas Cancer Plan.

According to the Texas Cancer Council, cancer is the number two killer of Texans.  Across our nation, nearly 1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime.  I am hopeful that the work of the Institute will lead to cures for this terrible disease.  

Sincerely,